Pavilion site review goes before council (From Dorset Echo)

Pavilion site review goes before council

12:07pm Tuesday 28th August 2007 in

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A REVIEW that says the Weymouth Pavilion redevelopment will not harm the surrounding sea system is to go before councillors next week.

Members of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's management committee will discuss the independent review by specialists Royal Haskoning, which examines a previous study into beach impacts such as sediment transportation and wave changes.

Councillor Howard Legg, spokesman for corporate affairs and special projects, said the review concluded there was nothing to hold development back.

He said: "The proposed distribution of sand from the development onto Weymouth beach will help protect the Esplanade from wave damage, especially in the future as sea levels rise due to climate change.

"It will also provide a wider beach for everyone to enjoy."

Councillors will be advised at next week's meeting that possible changes in sea level, wave direction or storminess as a result of global warming have all been accounted for.

Coun Legg added: "It is encouraging that the study and review show no detrimental effects to the harbour or beach."

Councillors are being advised to ask for the following documents as a condition of their agreement: n Engineering drawings to show construction details and public safety equipment for marina n A recalculated model to show the effect of a vertical wave screen instead of the rock armoured breakwater orignally proposed n A detailed plan to show how sand will be placed to widen the beach n A post-construction beach monitoring and management plan, including any changes to the beach or harbour n A drawing showing berthing arrangements at marina The review concludes the marina's impact on tidal flows will be small and pollutant release no worse than the same release within the existing harbour'.

Approval next week would mean developer Howard Holdings could proceed to the next stage of the planning application.